Blog

Protect Our Care Illinois denounces the decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas vs. US, which lays the foundation for the
overturn of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and risks the health and well-being
of millions of lives. The two Republican-appointed judges sided with President
Trump and Republicans to declare a portion of the law unconstitutional and sent
the rest back to the same handpicked lower court judge who has already ruled
the entire law unconstitutional.

Despite this ruling, health insurance purchased on the
Illinois Marketplace for 2020 coverage is still valid and protections for
people with pre-existing conditions are still intact, for now.

Health care is a top priority for Illinoisans; and
yesterday’s ruling represents a major blow in the fight for access to
comprehensive care that meets the needs and the budgets of everyday people.
Now, at least 605,000 Illinoisans
are at risk of losing their health coverage. Make no mistake – this politicized
decision jeopardizes the health care coverage and peace of mind for the over 5
million people in Illinois who have pre-existing conditions.

This health care repeal lawsuit represents the latest in a
string of attacks on the ACA that jeopardize access to the high-quality care
provided for by the Act’s provisions. Republican members of Congress have voted
to repeal the ACA more than 50 times since it was enacted in 2010. Following
multiple failed attempts to repeal, the Trump Administration began allowing
insurance companies to expand the sale of short-term plans that fall short of
meeting the quality standards required by the ACA. Additionally, the
Administration has pursued actions that weaken the program, including
shortening open enrollment, scheduling website maintenance during peak hours,
and slashing funds for community assisters and marketing.

Tragically, yesterday’s decision
represents a turning back of the clock on the fight to expand health coverage,
access to comprehensive care, and consumer protections. In the face of ongoing
sabotage, Protect our Care Illinois will remain vigilant in defending the
historic progress made possible because of the ACA. We are proud to support Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s defense of the
ACA, and we are committed to standing with
health care consumers, providers, and advocates across Illinois in support of
accessible, comprehensive health care for all Illinoisans because safe, healthy
individuals and families are the heart of vibrant, prosperous communities.

5 days ago
Police brutality is a public health crisis. Protect Our Care Illinois stands with Black communities across the state, and lifts their efforts to demand justice so they are afforded the basic right of existing without fear. Read our statement: https://t.co/53Hxdro0sJ